Sumire Uesaka Wins DDT Title in Shocking Wrestling Debut
In a moment that blurred the line between professional wrestling and anime stardom, voice actress Sumire Uesaka stepped into the ring for the first time and walked away with the title. On March 29, 2026, Uesaka won the DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo during a Timed Entry Battle Royal event. Her transition from the recording booth to the squared circle at Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling’s (TJPW) marquee event, “GRAND PRINCESS ’26,” marks one of the most high-profile crossovers in the history of the medium.
A Dramatic Entrance
Uesaka’s entrance was anything but subtle. Following the street live concert by Shion Kanzaki, representative Tetsuya Koda was attempting to close the event. Uesaka appeared, wielding a saber, inspired by wrestling legend Tiger Jeet Singh’s attire. Singh was famous for his wild ringside antics and his signature weapon, a sword. Uesaka leaned fully into the homage by arriving with a similar prop, which she jokingly described as a “mysterious saber” she had discovered at home in Shinjuku.
In a shocking display of aggression, she attacked Koda and demanded an entry into the Ironman Rumble at Ryogoku, which was accepted. She entered as the 11th participant in the 12-person Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship Timed Entry Battle Royal.
Chaos in the Battle Royal
The match followed a “Timed Entry Battle Royal” format, a staple of the industry popularized by the WWE’s Royal Rumble. Wrestlers enter at intervals, and eliminations occur frequently, all while the Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship remained constantly at stake.
Eventually, the match boiled down to a final showdown between Uesaka, where she defeated one of the strongest contenders, Maya Kiryu. While the audience expected the celebrity guest to be a comic relief, Uesaka secured the victory with a Victor-style knee lock. This Sambo-inspired leg lock, popularized by the legendary Victor Koga, showed a level of dedication to the craft that went beyond a mere celebrity guest appearance.
Although this match was marked as Uesaka’s official debut, she had previously held the title after winning a comedic off-screen segment involving a mascot attack, a testament to the chaotic nature of the championship she now officially holds.
The Most Absurd Championship
The name “Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship” may sound unusual to those who are unfamiliar with the title. It was created by DDT Pro-Wrestling, a company known for its mix of athletic wrestling and absurdist comedy. The championship was originally conceived as a parody of the old WWE Hardcore Championship. Similar to WWE’s former 24/7 title, the belt operates under a 24/7 rule, meaning it can be defended any time and anywhere as long as a referee is present.
The title is famous for its absurdist legacy. Past champions include: A ladder, which won the title three separate times, a miniature dachshund, an inflatable wrestling doll named Yoshihiko, and even the championship belt itself, which once “pinned” its owner.
The Iconic Champion
Uesaka is an outspoken fan of classic professional wrestling, particularly from the Showa era, and has frequently spoken about her admiration for the sport’s history. She was reportedly encouraged by fellow voice actor Tetsu Inada, best known for voicing Enji Todoroki in My Hero Academia.
Following her victory, Uesaka announced, “The ring is a sacred place, and I have deep respect for professional wrestling, so I would prefer to remain a viewer,” she humorously added, “However, in case of an emergency…” suggesting she may return to the ring when duty calls. This win has proved that anything is possible in the world of Japanese entertainment.
